The High Cost of Misconduct: How Many NJ Teachers Actually Lose Their Licenses?
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, In a state with over 116,000 classroom teachers, New Jersey maintains a standard for those entrusted with educating the next generation. While the vast majority of educators serve with distinction, a small fraction face the ultimate professional penalty: certificate revocation.
But how often does this actually happen, and what triggers such a drastic move? Here is a deep dive into the data and the laws governing teacher licenses in the Garden State.
The 2026 Snapshot: Current Revocation Trends
As of April 2026, the State Board of Examiners has already revoked 17 teacher certificates this year. While this number may seem small relative to the total workforce, it represents a consistent effort by the Department of Education (DOE) to enforce state regulations.
Revocations by the Numbers (2021–2025)
Looking back at the last five years, the data shows that 2024 saw a significant spike in disciplinary actions:
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2025: 77 revocations
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2024: 98 revocations
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2023: 67 revocations
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2022: 68 revocations
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2021: 70 revocations
Grounds for Forfeiture: Why Licenses are Stripped
New Jersey law is incredibly clear regarding the “forfeiture of public office.” Under state statutes, an educator must forfeit their position and certificate if they are convicted of:
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An offense involving dishonesty.
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A third-degree crime or higher.
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Any offense “directly related” to their performance in their public position.
One high-profile example occurred in March 2026, when former Garfield art teacher Amy D’Ovidio was forced to relinquish her certificate. Following a guilty plea to second-degree endangering the welfare of a child involving a sexual relationship with a student, her plea deal mandated a permanent ban from New Jersey classrooms.
The Role of the Board of Examiners
DOE spokesman Michael Yaple notes that the Board of Examiners doesn’t just act on criminal convictions. They can also revoke or suspend a license if an educator:
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Fails to meet qualifications that existed at the time of issuance.
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No longer satisfies the criteria for being a licensed educator.
Note on Due Process: The Board is legally required to give any educator an opportunity to be heard before a certificate is suspended or revoked.
The “National Blacklist”: Can Teachers Move States?
A common question is whether a teacher can simply move to a different state to escape a revoked license. The answer is: unlikely.
New Jersey is an active member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC). When the Board of Examiners takes action, that information is uploaded into a national database. Member states check this “clearinghouse” before issuing new licenses, making it nearly impossible for a flagged educator to fly under the radar elsewhere.
Can a Revoked License Ever Be Recovered?
In New Jersey, a revoked license is gone forever. However, an educator may, under specific conditions and with Board approval, apply for a brand-new certification.
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No Reinstatements: You cannot “unblock” or “fix” a revoked license.
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New Requirements: An applicant must meet all current certification requirements, which are often stricter than the rules in place when they were first licensed.
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